Tribute to Jack Dwyer dinner on Thursday

Nora Dwyer holds a photograph of her father Jack Dwyer, who died of cancer in 2001, along with (left to right) Frank Merola, Lou Desso, Lisa Robert-Lewis, Greg Cholakis, Susan Dwyer (Jack’s daughter) and Nick Nicholas, in Troy, May 2011. (Times Union archive)

The 12th annual Tribute to Jack Dwyer will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at Franklin Terrace on Campbell Avenue in Troy.

The event recalls the public service of the late John R. Dwyer Jr., a former Rensselaer County undersheriff. He died in 2001 following a lengthy struggle with cancer. Prior to joining the sheriff’s office, Dwyer was a member of the Troy Police Department and served in the Marines.

In 2002, Dwyer’s daughters, Nora Dwyer and Susan Dwyer, formed the Friends of Jack Dwyer Committee. Since its creation, the committee has raised more than $25,000.

This year, the committee will honor Francesca Tutunjian for her service to the community. Past honorees include Frank Merola, the late Rev. Thomas Flanigan, the late John McNulty, Joseph Manupella, Jack Byrne, John Rustin, John Cooney, the late Martin G. Mahar, Don Fane, Lisa Robert Lewis and Michael Cocca.

Tickets are $35, which includes an Italian buffet, beer and soda. Reservations are requested.